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Our Team

We prioritize your best interest above all else– always. Whether you're building your wealth, planning for retirement, or safeguarding your wealth for future generations, our team is dedicated to you every step of the way. 

Let us help you navigate the complexities of wealth management with expertise and integrity. 

Alexander Smith

Managing Director

ASmith@rwbaird.com

Alex leads our portfolio investment management and leverages his years in equity research to help clients preserve and manage their wealth. He believes that a disciplined investment approach rooted within a “keep it simple” philosophy is key to achieving long-term financial success.

Alex began his career at Baird in 1995 with the firm’s research department, where he focused primarily on equity investment strategies, and joined the Private Wealth Management in 2002. Prior to Baird, Alex served for six years in the U.S. Navy as a flight engineer on a P-3 Orion aircraft and is a veteran of the Gulf War. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Governors State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Marquette University.

Away from the office Alex serves on the finance committee of the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin, is a member of PATRIOT, Baird's Veteran-focused associate resource group. He has two adult children and resides in Milwaukee with his wife, Kate. In his spare time Alex enjoys travel, running, and Brewers baseball. 

Awards and Recognition


*2026 FORBES Best-In-State Top Wealth Advisors published on April 8, 2026. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2025. Forbes Best-in-State Top Wealth Advisors awards are published annually January – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Theresa D. Boyd, CRPC®

Director | Financial Advisor

414-298-2604

tboyd@rwbaird.com

Theresa leads strategic initiatives for the team and provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth strategies for clients. She believes in taking a collaborative approach, working with each client to meet their financial and personal goals.

 

Theresa joined Baird in 1999 with ten years of financial industry experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management through Ottawa University. As acting President of Baird’s Financial Advisor Advisory Council (FAAC), she serves as a leader to other Baird advisors and advocates for changes that put clients first. Theresa is passionate about giving back and is an active member with the Lake County Newcomers and Neighbors, a social committee member for Lake Country Villages at Pabst Farms, and is a proud supporter of the Oconomowoc Women’s Club and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. 

 

Theresa and her husband, Scott, currently live in Oconomowoc with their dogs Enzo and Mila. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, art projects, meditation, and reading.

 

Professional Certifications

  • Obtained her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (SM) – CRPC® in 2014.

 

Awards and Recognition

  • Awarded the G. Frederick Kasten, Jr. Award, Baird’s most prestigious honor recognizing associates for their unwavering commitment to serving their clients and their communities. 
  • Invited to attend Barron's Top Women Financial Advisors Summit in 2023-2025.
  • Recognized by Shook Research as a 2026 FORBES Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisor
  • Also recognized by Shook Research as a FORBES Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisor in 2022-2025.*
  • Recognized by Shook Research as a 2026 FORBES Best-In-State Top Wealth Advisor.** 
  • Also recognized by Shook Research as a FORBES Best-In-State Top Wealth Advisor in 2023-2025.** 


*2026 FORBES Top Women Wealth Advisor Best-In-State published on February 4, 2026. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2025. Forbes Best-in-State Top Women Wealth Advisors awards are published annually January – April. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.

**2026 FORBES Best-In-State Top Wealth Advisors published on April 8, 2026. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2025. Forbes Best-in-State Top Wealth Advisors awards are published annually January – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Deanne M. Soetenga, CFP®

Vice President | Financial Advisor

414-765-3516

dsoetenga@rwbaird.com

Deanne works closely with each client to understand their specific goals and objectives and create custom financial solutions through every stage of life.

Deanne joined Baird in 2004 as a Client Specialist and transitioned into her current role as a financial adviser in 2022. Before her career in finance Deanne worked as a Data Analyst for Buell Motorcycle Co., a former subsidiary of Harley Davidson. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

She is active in her community and serves as Adult Leader & Co-Fundraising Chair for Boy Scout Troop 26 in Big Bend, WI.

Deanne resides in Waukesha, WI with her family and their dog, Boone. In her spare time, Deanne enjoys running, sand volleyball, spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.

Professional Certifications

  • Obtained her life and health insurance license in 2007
  • Obtained her Certified Financial Planner® certification in 2008.

Awards and Recognition

  • Awarded Baird's Branch Associate All-Star Award, recognizing her commitment to both clients and peers.

Henry Schlenker, CIMA®

Associate Financial Advisor

hschlenker@rwbaird.com

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Henry helps build and implement investment portfolios, provides service-related needs, and helps the next generation and young families build their wealth. 

 

Henry started his career in the financial services industry at US Bank in 2021 and joined Baird in 2022. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since joining the firm, he has obtained his series 7 and 66 license designations, and earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. 

 

Henry resides in Milwaukee and enjoys golfing, and spending time outdoors.  

Emily A.M. Raychel

Assistant Vice President | PWM Team Client Service Lead

ERaychel@rwbaird.com

She is responsible for the team's operational needs while playing an integral role in trading our portfolios, overseeing due diligence, and facilitating high net worth relationships. Her organizational skills help ensure all aspects of the practice are aligned and client needs are consistently exceeded.

 

Emily began her career in financial services and joined Baird in 2015. She has a bachelor's degree in Finance from the Lubar School of Business at UW-Milwaukee. Since joining the firm, Emily has obtained her series 7 and 66 license designations.

 

She is active in her community and is a member of the Team Wisconsin cycling team and ‘Applause' the Fine Arts Booster Club for Brookfield Central High School.

 

Emily resides in Brookfield, Wisconsin with her husband, Adam, and their two daughters. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time with family and friends.

Christopher M. Torres

Assistant Vice President | Senior Client Specialist

CTorres@rwbaird.com

Chris focuses on all aspects of client relationships and service. He is responsible for welcoming and onboarding new clients and providing quality service while building long-term relationships based on honesty and trust. His experience and breadth of knowledge ensures every client received exceptional service.

 

Prior to joining Baird in 2011, Chris began his financial career with Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley) in 2000. He obtained his series 7 and 63 in 2007 and 2008. Before that Chris served three years in the U.S. Army as a Fire Support Specialist in Korea & Fort Lewis, WA. He has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the State University of New York – Purchase.

Chris is an active member of Patriot, Baird’s Veteran’s resource group. He resides in Fox Point, Wisconsin with his wife, Kaitlin, and their two children. In his spare time, Chris enjoys playing racquet and pickleball, running, and following the New York Yankees.

Mary Lee N. Hope

Client Specialist

mhope@rwbaird.com

As a client specialist Mary Lee assists clients with service-related needs, such as answering account and document questions, processing cash items, and general client support. She also leads marketing and client communications for the team. 

 

Prior to her career at Baird Mary Lee worked at a boutique investment advisor in Milwaukee from 2015-2018. She then spent time living abroad and working in the service and hospitality industry before joining Baird in 2022. Mary Lee has a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since joining the firm, she has obtained her series 7 and 66 license designations.

 

Mary Lee resides in Milwaukee and enjoys watching movies, reading, cooking, and golfing.

Ashley Wade

Client Specialist

awade@rwbaird.com

Ashley helps with clients on service-related needs as well as handling operational procedures and questions. She started her career at Baird as an intern on our team in 2023. Ashley recently graduated from Marquette University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Finance and Applied Investment Management. Since joining the firm, she has obtained her series 7 and 66 license designations.

Cora Trexell

Client Specialist

414-792-1225

cktrexell@rwbaird.com

As a client specialist Cora assists with service-related needs. Since joining the firm, she has obtained her series 7 and 66 license designations.

Cora began her career at Baird 2025 and joined the SBS Group in 2026. Prior to Baird, Cora worked for two years as an executive assistant at the Milwaukee Ballet. She has a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from UW-Milwaukee.

Away from the office Cora is a member of Wishmakers of Wisconsin (Make-A-Wish Wisconsin Young Professionals group) and is an avid supporter of Milwaukee's performing arts scene. She was born and raised in the Milwaukee area, and in her spare time enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors.

Your trust. Our expertise.


Our responsibility to our clients comes first. From wealth management to retirement solutions, our insight and financial strategies can help make your investment goals a reality.

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